Meet BD+C's 40 Under 40 class of 2014

These emerging AEC leaders range in age from 31 to 39 and join 320 previous honorees.

December 23, 2014 |

Julie Higginbotham, Senior Editor

Building Design+Construction is pleased to introduce our “40 Under 40” Class of 2014. They join 320 previous recipients of the honor, dating from 2006.

These emerging AEC leaders range in age from 31 to 39 (as of December 31, 2013), with a median age of 36. The editors of BD+C selected them based on their career achievement, service to their professions and communities, and active participation in charitable work.

The winners will join other up-and-coming AEC professionals for three days of leadership development, team building, and professional networking at “Building the Future You,” our fourth annual U40 Leadership Summit, which will be held in New York City September 17-19. Visit the U40 Summit registration page for complete details.

Architechie

RACHEL RIOPEL WILEY, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C

Former CAD coordinator with DLR Group, where she taught LEED AP prep classes while learning Revit on her own. Joined HDR in 2008 as a Digital Design Technology Analyst; promoted to Project Architect–Best Practices Development. In 2013, named Central Region BIM Director––HDR’s youngest (and first female) BIM Director.

Led creation of HDR’s Level of Development document, resulting in the Model Progression Baseline, which defines the minimum BIM deliverable. Led development of HDR’s Project Execution Plan for management of VDC.

Thirteen-year veteran of the family’s catering business. Recently took over HOTdish Products, a spinoff company that designs and sells patented chafing dishes.

Biocontainment Superstar

LISA BLAKE, PE, LEED AP

Assistant Project Manager

Manhattan Construction Company,

Falls Church, Va.

AGE: 34

BS, Virginia Polytechnic and State University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

After studying animal and poultry science and biological systems engineering, switched to civil engineering and then commercial construction. With Manhattan Construction, progressed from Senior Project Engineer to Assistant Project Manager in two years.

Representative projects: Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, Prince George’s County, Md. (1,500 hotel rooms, 400,000 sf of convention space); U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases’ 835,000-sf replacement facility at Fort Detrick. The latter is the largest, most complex biocontainment facility ever built by the DoD, including labs up to Biosafety Level 4 and Animal Biosafety Level 4, and is designed to work with the world’s most dangerous biological agents.

Founder, Common Boston, a volunteer organization that connects architects with the general public and explores progressive ideas in design. Co-chaired the group from 2005-2011, including development of festival and tour events (www.commonboston.org).

EXTRACURRICULAR

Board president, Learning by Design in Massachusetts (nonprofit spun off from the Boston Society of Architects, focused on K-12 architecture and design education). Assisted in facilitating the group’s transition after achievement of 501(c)(3) status.

Ran Boston Marathon in 2011 to benefit the nonprofit WalkBoston. Augmented his fundraising by leading walking tours around his Cambridge neighborhood.

OFF THE CLOCK

Has hiked more than 1,000 miles of the Appalachian Trail, mostly solo. “Hiking the AT did a lot to reinforce my appreciation of the kindness strangers often show toward one another.” One such gesture: getting a Snickers bar “from someone I would probably never meet again.”

SECRET LIFE

Grandfather Bill Hume was a cartoonist in the Navy newsand published several cartoon books about American servicemen in Japan after World War II (“Babysan,” “Babysan’s World”). “These would be considered completely politically incorrect now,” Crane says. “He went on to make animated films, including one used to teach Disney artists how to animate. I like to believe I received some of his artistic talent.”

Irish Import

MARTIN WALSH, LEED AP, DBIA

Vice President, National Mission Critical

Balfour Beatty Construction,

Charlotte, N.C.

AGE: 39

BS, National University of Ireland, Galway

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

After completing his civil engineering degree, worked for London-based Coffey Construction. Relocated to the U.S. in 1998 to be closer to his wife’s family. After six years working for a concrete company, was recruited by Howard S. Wright, a construction firm later acquired by Balfour Beatty. Promoted to VP for the Mission Critical team earlier this year, overseeing business acquisition, operations, and account management and supporting mission-critical projects in the East, Central, and West regions.

Fanatic follower of Gaelic football games administered by the Mayo County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association. Attended the Irish equivalent of the Super Bowl, the All-Ireland Football Final, last year in Dublin.

Lone Star Standout

SCOTT TOMHAVE, LEED AP

Director of Operations, Austin Division

Swinerton Builders, Austin, Texas

AGE: 37

BS, Texas A&M University

MBA, Webster University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Spent eight years at a contracting firm before diving into real estate development and ultimately running the company he worked for, Sprout Holdings. Later opened own real estate investment and advisory company, Lonestar Advisors. Named Director of Operations for Swinerton’s new Austin Division in 2012; recently secured a $100+ million project to develop Chevron’s Midland, Texas, campus.

Front man for rock bands in high school and college. “I played guitar and sang—horribly—but I enjoyed every minute.”

Healthcare Guru

PRAJAKTI “PJ” GLASCO, AIA, ACHA, LEED AP BD+C

Senior VP/Senior Project Planner

FKP Architects, Houston

AGE: 38

BArch, Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture, Pune, India

MArch, University of Houston

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Certified by the American College of Healthcare Architects at age 38. Portfolio includes about 1.7 million sf of built healthcare facilities and 2.5 million sf of planned facilities. Has special expertise in the design of cancer-care environments. Created an oncology planning guide that won an award from the Society for Marketing Professional Services in 2012.

AIA School Medal and Achievement of Merit for Excellence, Gerald D. Hines School of Architecture, University of Houston. Class valedictorian.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Chair, AIA Houston Committee on Architecture for Healthcare (2011).

Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity and Search’s House of Tiny Treasures (early childhood activities for children whose parents are working to break the cycle of homelessness).

Home tour docent, Rice Design Alliance.

OFF THE CLOCK

Stays busy with two-year-old twin daughters, but also enjoys yoga, cooking, and complicated cross-stitch work. “My husband says that just looking at the patterns I work with gives him a headache.”

SECRET LIFE

Won a gold medal in a national taekwondo tournament in India at age 14.

Seismic Sage

ANDY FRY, PE, SE, LEED AP

COO/Senior Principal

Magnusson Klemencic Associates, Seattle

AGE: 39

MS, University of California–Berkeley

BS, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Progressed from entry-level engineer to Principal in a bit more than a decade, followed by a 2012 promotion to COO. Manages staff recruitment, work assignments, professional training, human resources, and physical facilities for MKA. Led a company initiative in performance-based seismic design, leading to a new methodology for high-rises in earthquake-prone regions.

Longtime volunteer with Seattle Children’s Hospital. Served on the Parent Advisory Council, whose mission is to help ensure that the organization meets the needs of children and their families.

Church elder.

OFF THE CLOCK

Enjoys running, watching college basketball, and reading. “I worked on a golf course for two summers in high school and during that time taught myself how to juggle, but not how to golf.”

SECRET LIFE

Fry is a member of his church choir, met his wife in a college band, and has memorized every song from “The Little Mermaid.” Unusual talents include the ability to drink a carton of milk in three seconds.

Keeps Thin Mints Girl Scout cookies in his freezer: “I ration them throughout the year.”

Emerging Architects' Advocate

ERIN MURPHY, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

Director, Emerging Professionals

American Institute of Architects, Washington, D.C.

AGE: 33

BArch, Syracuse University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Hired by Robert A.M. Stern shortly after completing college. Later recruited by the AIA as Director of Emerging Professionals, working with the National Associates Committee (interns, nonlicensed professionals) and the Young Architects Forum.

Projects include organizing the Emerging Professionals Leadership Summit (2014) and the 2012 YAF Summit20; developing the AIA Emerging Professionals Toolkit (used by AIA components nationwide to help interns become licensed architects); and revising and updating the Emerging Professionals Companion.

“I can hit a really straight golf ball, though never much farther than 75 yards.”

Speed Demon

ANTHONY CATALDO, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C

Director, Commercial Architecture

Ware Malcomb, San Ramon, Calif.

AGE: 36

BArch, Cal Poly Pomona

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Over 11 years at the firm, progressed from drafter to job captain to project manager to studio manager and now office director in San Ramon. Firm provides planning, architecture, interior design, graphic design, and civil engineering services to commercial, corporate, and public clients worldwide.

Grew a single fast-food restaurant renovation into a continuing account involving more than 60 restaurants.

Has run the Kaiser Permanente San Francisco half marathon four times, raising funds for nonprofits that promote a healthy lifestyle. Enjoys runs around Lake Chabot.

Studied in Florence, Italy, during college and says it’s still one of his favorite vacation spots. “I love walking through the Renaissance city, hearing the beautiful language, and taking in the beautiful architecture. There is a little gelato shop downtown that you can’t beat!”

SECRET LIFE

Favorite read: Road and Track magazine. “I can quote the horsepower and the specifications for all the latest exotic cars at any given time.”

Wellness Wunderkind

ZACHARY BENEDICT, AIA, RD, NCARB, LEED AP

Partner

MKM architecture + design,

Fort Wayne, Ind.

AGE: 33

BS, BArch, MArch,

Ball State University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Benedict studied urban sociology in graduate school before joining MKM, a firm focused on design for healthcare and wellness. His research shaped MKM’s “Lifelong Village” initiative, exploring the connections between aging Baby Boomers and rural downtown revitalization. Became the firm’s youngest managing partner in 2012, at age 31. Oversees brand and communication strategies while continuing to participate in design and research.

Facilitated a national study entitled “Community AGEnda: Improving America for All Ages,” in 2013, supported by the Pfizer Foundation and Grantmakers in Aging.

Ball State University College of Architecture and Planning Alumni Award of Outstanding Achievement, 2013 (youngest person ever to receive the award).

Registered Architect in Indiana and Michigan.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Created partnership between Ball State and local AIA Chapter to initiate and oversee more than 120 student projects focused on the redevelopment of Fort Wayne.

From 2005-09, was one of three managing directors of AB417, a think tank aimed at social and community problems. Currently serves as Chair of Fort Wayne’s Downtown Improvement District, the largest economic improvement district in the state.

Master of High Performance

JON PENNDORF, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Associate

Perkins+Will, Washington, D.C.

AGE: 36

BS, MArch, The Catholic University of America

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Involved in the management and high-performance design of corporate, commercial, civic, academic, government, and mixed-use projects. Currently managing repositioning efforts for multiple office buildings and complexes in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Travel aficionado, foodie. “I seek out local, authentic places to eat everywhere I go. I also like to find new small-batch gins.” Favorite vacation spot: Outer Banks of North Carolina.

SECRET LIFE

Competitive ballroom dancer in college: “Somewhere I have the ribbons to prove it.”

Early Achiever

ADAM CRYER, PE

VP/Principal

Pinnacle Structural Engineers, Houston

AGE: 34

BS, Rice University

MS, University of Texas

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Cryer co-founded Pinnacle at age 25 with a partner while still enrolled as a grad student at UT–Austin. Currently leads employee recruitment, marketing, and business development for the firm, as well as managing and training staff engineers.

Has served as EOR on more than 250 projects, including blast-resistant structures for Houston-area petrochemical facilities. Also experienced in the worship, office, and K-12 sectors. Recent projects: 107,000-sf TGS Nopec Headquarters, Houston; 37,500-sf Mary Queen Catholic Church, Friendswood, Texas; 35,000-sf The Varnett School (elementary building), Houston.

Licensed Professional Engineer in nine states.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Serves on the Board of Directors for the Houston branch of ACE; active in the Mentors Program.

Presenter on AEC topics for classes at Rice University, University of Texas, and University of Houston.

Published author (Modern Steel Construction, Structural Engineer).

Member, American Concrete Institute and The American Institute for Steel Construction.

Volunteers with his wife on projects for Rebuilding Together Houston.

OFF THE CLOCK

Co-captain of the company bowling team, competing in the Houston Architects/Engineers Bowling League. Pinnacle has won the league title in two of the past three years. Bowled sequential 300 and 279 games in 2011.

Completed his first marathon earlier this year.

SECRET LIFE

Crazy about rock and the blues, from Led Zeppelin to Gary Clark Jr. to Stone Temple Pilots. “My love of music and concerts led me to pick up the guitar during my senior year of college. I hope to join a band in the not-so-distant future.”

Straight Shooter

SARA CARMODY

Project Executive

Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction Company, San Francisco

AGE: 39

BS, Santa Clara University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Raised in a family of contractors, Carmody earned a civil engineering degree and progressed from entry-level Project Engineer to Project Executive in 13 years. She is now a company shareholder.

Developed a specialization in life-science construction, identifying it as a strong growth opportunity early in her career. Created and advocated for an internal Northern California Life Science Strategy, which targeted key clients, promoted relationships, and arranged the necessary staff training. Life science is now a core market for Hathaway Dinwiddie, representing more than $1.75 billion in revenue and including high-profile clients such as Genentech, Gilead, Amgen, and HCP Life Science Estates.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Member, International Society of Professional Engineers.

Assisted in the build-out and relocation of offices for BayBio, the primary life-science industry organization in the Bay Area, in 2012.

With her husband, runs a small trucking business that serves the needs of state and federal clients during wildfires.

Regular church greeter and usher.

OFF THE CLOCK

Enjoys skiing and horseback riding—the legacy of a childhood spent jumping horses in equestrian events. She now prefers a quarter horse and slower-paced trail riding with her two daughters.

Experienced marksman: “I am a really great shot, both target and skeet.”

SECRET LIFE

Owns a Honda 250X dirt bike and loves to ride in the Nevada desert.

Mentor by Design

WYATT FRANTOM, AIA, LEED AP

Associate and Senior Architectural Designer

Gensler, Los Angeles

AGE: 39

BS, The Ohio State University Knowlton School of Architecture

MArch, Rice University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Frantom is a Senior Designer in the firm’s Commercial Office Building studio, with a staff of more than 70. Expertise includes workplace, high-rise, mixed-use, and exterior façade systems. Recent projects: Sunset Media Center, Hollywood (reposition of an exisiting 22-story tower); NBCUniversal Broadcast Center, Studio City (150,000 sf broadcast HQ).

In a previous position as Senior Designer at HOK, Frantom worked on such projects as the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and the 400-meter Capital Market Authority headquarters tower, both in Saudi Arabia.

Current projects: the 632-meter Shanghai Tower, the super-green Tower at PNC Plaza (Pittsburgh), a San Francisco high-rise for Tishman Speyer, and a half-million-sf headquarters for visual technology company NVIDIA in Santa Clara, Calif.

Oversees the firm’s design and delivery efforts in Asia and the Pacific Northwest.

Classically trained pianist who enjoys improvisational composition. Also enjoys woodworking, furniture making, skiing, hiking, board games, and cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco to the Marin Headlands.

Favorite flick: Wim Wenders’ “Der Himmel über Berlin.” “The sense of time and space in the movie as the camera moves through the city is quite architectural and moving.”

SECRET LIFE

Grew up on a beef cattle ranch in rural Montana; still keeps a horse there.

High-Powered Iowan

KELLY ALTES

Project Executive and Lead Structural Engineer

KJWW Engineering

Consultants, Des Moines, Iowa

AGE: 35

BS, Iowa State University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Altes joined KJWW in 2001 and became one of the youngest department supervisors in the company’s history six years later. A licensed PE, she has supervised four engineers and three drafters, including two in the firm’s India office. Altes recently shifted from internal operations management to Project Executive, again one of the youngest in the company. Works in business development and project support, providing project-management mentoring and technical expertise on design of structural systems.

Community service with St. Francis of Assisi Parish’s Young Catholic Adults and Friends group; Dowling Catholic High School Color Guard (coach); Central Iowa Shelter and Services (liaison and coordinator); Boy Scouts (educator in engineering topics); and the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute’s Community Leadership Program (Class of 2010).

OFF THE CLOCK

Altes recently gave birth to her third son but makes time for kickboxing and turbo-kick classes at her local Y. Also loves snow and water skiing, swimming, and tailgating at Iowa State football games.

Favorite authors: John Grisham, Ken Follett, Ben Mezrich.

SECRET LIFE

Dad is a genealogy buff and has traced the family name back through 12 generations, or more than 350 years.

Entrepreneurial Engineer

JARED HIGGINS, PE, CEM, CDSM, CPMP

Mechanical Engineering and Energy Services Discipline Leader

Parkhill, Smith, & Cooper Inc., Lubbock, Texas

AGE: 31

BSME, Texas Tech University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Joined PSC, an engineering/architecture firm, while completing his collegiate degree. Became the company’s first Certified Energy Manager, Certified Demand Side Management Professional, and Commissioning Process Management Professional. Led formation of a new Energy Services Team, which now includes five employees offering energy modeling, benchmarking, grant writing, solar hot water design, gray water reclamation, and building systems commissioning. In 2013, assumed leadership of all mechanical engineering work within the six-office firm; later named corporate Associate.

Collaborated on creation of the Energy Reduction and Commissioning Design Guide for the Department of Defense Education Activity office, guiding work on schools for military families.

Licensed Professional Engineer in Texas and New Mexico.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Active in ASHRAE and the Association of Energy Engineers. Serves on two ASHRAE technical committees and contributes frequently to ASHRAE Journal. Instrumental in formation of a West Texas Chapter of the AEE; inaugural chapter president, 2013. Currently one of five VPs on the national AEE executive committee.

Volunteers in engineering education at local high schools and middle schools. Serves as free tutor for several families.

OFF THE CLOCK

Favorite pastime: river and ocean kayaking. “I usually plan vacations around a new river—Class 4 minimum—or a stretch of coastline with good surf.” Enjoys still photography; working on a book spotlighting America’s national parks.

SECRET LIFE

Higgins has traveled the country to see old steam engines and trains that are still in working condition. “I’m particularly a fan of the narrow-gauge engines used in the West in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Nevada.”

Heartland Energizer

TIM MASA, LEED AP

Vice President

PARIC Corp., St. Louis

AGE: 38

BS, Master of Construction Management, Washington University in St. Louis

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

During 17 years at PARIC, rose through the ranks from Project Estimator to VP, in charge of the firm’s academic and commercial market sectors.

Established a subsidiary, Cooperative Building Solutions, to deliver turnkey planning, design, and construction work for rural electric cooperatives in Missouri. Business met the goals of its five-year plan within three years—expanding the client base into Kansas, Arkansas, Illinois, and Oklahoma—and is projected to produce $40 million in revenue this year.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Board member, Logos School (therapeutic middle and high school), St. Louis.

Former CFO, Director of Engineering, and co-owner of a Fort Myers engineering company; helped rebrand the company and get it out of debt. On the side, initiated a program called EnRichment to introduce young people to engineering.

Joined Little in 2013 as National Director of Engineering, a newly created position; active in Little’s business planning and daily management of 20 MEP and structural engineers.

Licensed Professional Engineer in 15 states.

Top 40 Under Forty, Gulf Coast Business Review (2012) and Gulfshore Business Magazine (2011).

Member, National Society of Professional Engineers, Professional Engineers of North Carolina.

OFF THE CLOCK

Building with LEGOs. “I’m currently enjoying the Architecture series. My sons have picked up my passion, and our house is a LEGO minefield at times.”

SECRET LIFE

Collector of Superman memorabilia, including limited-edition numbered sneakers. “His values of honesty and empathy are ones I still hold dear today.”

Voice of Young Architects

JENNIFER WORKMAN, AIA

Associate

Good Fulton & Farrell, Dallas

AGE: 33

BArch, University of Texas at Austin

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Lead architect for the firm on high-rise residential, cultural, retail, and mixed-use projects. Collaborated with the California office of Morphosis Architects on the design of the Dallas’s Perot Museum of Nature and Science.

Member, AIA Young Architects Forum, Dallas Chapter (revived through her leadership after having been abandoned). Communications Advisor to national YAF Advisory Committee, editing the bimonthly Connection magazine.

Membership VP and board member, Texas Society of Architects (has served on Continuing Education, Membership and Services, and Honors committees).

Volunteer, Girl Scouts of North Texas and The Family Place (serving victims of domestic violence).

OFF THE CLOCK

Cultivates an organic vegetable garden.

SECRET LIFE

Dad once played keyboard for Great Southern, a side project of Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers. Her family nickname, “Jenny,” comes from a character in the group’s album “Atlanta’s Burning Down.”

Engineering Marvel

JASON HEFFELMIRE, PE, LEED AP BD+C, CxA, PMP

Gulf Coast Regional Operations Director

TLC Engineering for Architecture, Tampa, Fla.

AGE: 37

BS, University of South Florida

MBA, University of Tampa

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Trained as a mechanical engineer, Heffelmire worked in the family contracting business. Joined TLC in 2010 and has since assumed responsibility for the entire Gulf Coast Region. The youngest of the firm’s leaders, he now oversees engineering and operations staff to meet marketing goals and revenue projections, as well as leading procedures for BIM and IPD.

Father of a toddler and newborn, Heffelmire enjoys wakeboarding, mountain biking, and snowboarding. Self-confessed foodies, he and his wife have recently indulged in 20-course tasting dinners.

SECRET LIFE

Grandfather worked for the federal government investigating and prosecuting mobsters. “He has a lot of wild stories that include getting out of a safe house just minutes before it was shot up.”

Port Authority

KENT SAYLER, PE, LEED AP BD+C

Electrical Engineer

P2S Engineering, Long Beach, Calif.

AGE: 33

BS, MS, Auburn University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Joined P2S Engineering after finishing his master’s degree. Since 2009, responsible for firm’s master planning, project management, electrical design, and construction administration of more than $70 million of electrical projects at the Port of Long Beach, as well as design of $45 million of electrical work split between the ports of Long Beach and Hueneme. The firm’s recently completed shore power projects will be a model for sustainable terminal design.

Member, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (Power System Engineering Committee vice chair and paper review chair; Technical Book Coordinating Committee, Power System Design Working Group).

Member, P2S Spirit Team (charitable work with the Long Beach ACE Mentoring program, Ronald McDonald House, Orange County Canstruction, Toys for Tots, and Assistance League of Long Beach).

OFF THE CLOCK

Avid recreational runner, poker player.

Watches “way too much TV,” including anything with Anthony Bourdain.

SECRET LIFE

At age five, proposed to his kindergarten teacher in the middle of a school concert. “Oh, Miss Douglas … the one that got away.”

Geometric Genius

ANDREW WITT

Research Advisor, Gehry Technologies, Los Angeles

Assistant Professor in Practice, Harvard University

AGE: 36

BS, BA, Brigham Young University

MArch, Master of Design Studies, Harvard University Graduate School of Design

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Trained in architecture, mathematics, philosophy, and the history of design. Hired in 2007 by Gehry Technologies, where he helped found the company’s Europe office, in Paris. Expertise includes research on advanced architectural geometry tools, Web 2.0 concurrent design systems, fabrication automation, generative detailing, optimization, and cloud computation for environmental simulation.

Founder and Director, Harvard University Geometry Lab, developing automated systems for building design and construction, including robotics.

In June 2014 will begin a position as Assistant Professor in Practice for Harvard, focusing on the relationship between design, science, and technology (architectural technology, bespoke machinery, custom automation, technology startups).

Real Estate Rock Star

DANIEL ULBRICHT

Vice President

Leopardo Companies, Chicago

AGE: 38

BS, Northern Illinois University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Majored in marketing and worked for an interior design firm before joining Leopardo’s tenant interiors group in 2004. Responsible for bringing in >$340 million and 5.6 million sf of projects over the past nine years, doubling the unit’s revenue, average project size, and number of projects. Aids large corporate clients in developing office spaces, several of which have been selected as “Coolest Offices” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Lead singer and guitarist for Liquidated Damages, a rock band made up of Leopardo employees. The band has raised >$2.5 million for charity. Standout gig: Annual City of Hope REACH Social at the Chicago House of Blues, raising more than half a million dollars over 10 years.

OFF THE CLOCK

Loves cruising on his Baja 25 Outlaw powerboat, wakeboarding, water skiing, and snowboarding.

SECRET LIFE

Almost became a professional musician during college when his group was approached by ’90s rock band Brother Cane to tour with them as an opening act. “Unfortunately, the four of us couldn’t make such an impulse decision.”

Planetwide Planner

SARAH HOLSTEDT, LEED AP

Associate Principal

Callison, Seattle

AGE: 32

BArch, Oklahoma State University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Won Callison’s Co-op Scholar internship in 2005 and left with a full-time job offer. Awarded the OSU School of Architecture’s Caudill Travelling Fellowship and studied cultural venues in Europe for two months before joining Callison, initially providing design support for projects involving regional retail centers, mixed-use developments, and large-scale master plans. Promoted to Associate Principal within six years, Holstedt has helped design more than 236 million sf worldwide.

Holstedt periodically works as a summer camp counselor at Heartland Presbyterian Center in Kansas City, Mo. “Having campers recount their experiences back to me years later reinforces the fact that we can have an impact on the lives of those around us.”

Green Genes

JOSH R. GREENFIELD, PE, CEM, BEMP,

LEED AP BD+C, LEED AP O+M

VP/Energy Services Manager

Primera Engineers, Chicago

AGE: 33

BS, Washington University in St. Louis

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Expert in sustainable design, energy modeling, and life cycle cost analysis. Active in development of green construction codes, including the International Code Council’s International Green Construction Code (development committee for the first edition, 2012). Reviewer for Chicago’s Green Permit Program energy models.

After two years with a Mexican architecture firm, joined HKS’s new Mexico City office in 2003. Four years later, moved to the Dallas HQ, where she rose from Project Architect and Medical Planner to Practice Leader for Mexico and Central America. Initiated a partnership between HKS and healthcare provider Methodist International to provide services to international clients. Has worked in Bulgaria, China, India, Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama, Chile, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Claims she can tell the gender of a pregnant woman’s child just by looking at the woman’s hands. “So far I have 100% accuracy, even with twins of differing genders.”

Corporate Builder

ROBBY HAYES, LEED AP

VP/Division Manager, Corporate Services Division

Brasfield & Gorrie, Birmingham, Ala.

AGE: 34

BS, Auburn University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Oversees all business development, preconstruction, and project operation functions for the Corporate Services Division in Brasfield & Gorrie’s Birmingham office. Provides strategic direction for the firm’s work in the commercial market. Has led projects worth more than $650 million total.

Active in NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association; the 7x24 Exchange–Greater Florida/Alabama Chapter; and ABC Future Leaders in Construction.

Helped plan company’s Estimating BBQ Cookoff for eight years, which has raised more than $550,000 for charity since its inception.

Junior Board member, United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham.

Leadership Vestavia Hills, 2011-2012.

OFF THE CLOCK

Loves outdoor activities. History buff. “The closer the story is to the community/state/country that I know and live in, the more engaged I am. I also enjoy reading our local papers and business journal on a daily basis.”

SECRET LIFE

Grandfather worked in telecommunications during World War II and was in the Guam radio station that transmitted President Truman’s orders to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Citizen Architect

JOSEPH S. IMAMURA, ASSOC. AIA, ASLA, AICP, PMP, LEED AP

GSA Office of the Chief Architect, Washington, D.C.

Adjunct Professor, Texas Tech University, Lubbock

AGE: 36

BS, MArch, Master of Urban Planning, Master of Landscape Architecture, and current PhD candidate, all at Texas Tech

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Hired as a Special Assistant to the Chief Architect at the GSA in 2007, Imamura has held multiple positions within the agency, including work on the 2008 Presidential Transition Team, managerial support in the Construction Excellence program, and urban planning and public outreach. Has overseen more than 50 public meetings in cities where GSA was working on projects. In 2012, led the GSA Geographic Information System initiative to develop a Web-based map tool that illustrates the agency’s property portfolio. Currently supports the GSA National Design Director for Landscape Architecture.

Adjunct Professor, Texas Tech. Teaches online courses for junior- and senior-level students in the Department of Integrative Studies.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Independent research in public architecture and emergency preparedness, including current dissertation work.

American Planning Association Ambassador, working with high school and college students considering careers in planning.

Founders Forum Fellow, American Society of Public Administration (2014).

Official proposal reviewer, Texas Tech University Arts and Humanities Graduate Research Conference.

OFF THE CLOCK

Self-proclaimed news junkie and political wonk. Favorite reads: political biographies, including Allan Greenberg’s George Washington, Architect.

SECRET LIFE

“As a kid, I rode my bike around our neighborhood and drew a plan of the subdivision, so my friends and I could map out a route on Halloween to target homes that would hand out the most candy.”

Meditative Artist

SARIKA BAJORIA

Founding Principal, Architect

Per-forma Studio, NYC

AGE: 37

MArch, University of

Pennsylvania

BA, Luther College, Iowa

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

A Calcutta native, Bajoria studied physics, math, and art at the undergrad level before earning her MArch degree. After stints at Kieran Timberlake, Spacesmith, and Skidmore Owings & Merrill, founded Per-forma Studio in 2010. The practice serves commercial, hospitality, retail, residential, and institutional clients, including nonprofits and underserved communities, and emphasizes the integration of design, architecture, research, and art.

Awarded permanent residency status in the U.S. through the EB-1 process, requiring applicants to demonstrate “extraordinary ability” at the “top of the field of endeavor.”

Serves as jury member for student reviews at University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, Pratt University, and City College of New York.

Founding Director, Architecture for Humanity, New York Chapter (designs projects pro bono for nonprofits and underserved communities). Work includes a master plan for an orphanage campus in Indonesia and projects for THE POINT Community Development Corp., South Bronx, and ABC No Rio nonprofit artists’ collaborative, New York City.

Practices meditation; currently training to become a Buddhist meditation teacher. “My practice helped me understand that being ‘busy’ or ‘stressed’ is a state of mind and I have a choice in how to respond.”

Mixed-media artist (oil, collage, watercolor, colored pencil, chalk).

SECRET LIFE

Acquired a degree in Indian classical vocal music at age 16; plays the harmonium and tanpura.

Environmental Exponent

SUSAN HEINKING, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP O+M

VP/Sustainability Leader

VOA Associates Inc., Chicago

AGE: 33

BS, Southern Illinois University

MArch, University of Oregon

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

During undergrad and grad school, Heinking worked full-time as a residential contractor, tutor, graphic artist, and graduate teaching assistant. Hired by HOK, she progressed from Architectural Technician to Project Architect to Sustainable Design Manager in five years. Coordinated green assessments for 62 Chicago Housing Authority properties.

At VOA, leads sustainable design efforts for nine offices worldwide. Promoted to VP in 2012. Has 15 LEED projects in the works and has facilitated more than 50 LEED projects during her career, resulting in 2.4 million sf of Silver-certified, 1.5 million sf of Gold-certified, and 9,000 sf of Platinum-certified space.

Organized VOA’s community service event in 2013, designing and installing six environmental learning gardens for Chicago Public School students with special needs. Raised more than $75,000 in donations for this effort.

OFF THE CLOCK

The mother of two-year-old triplets, Heinking enjoys listening to music, playing soccer, and reading Google News. “For a mother of triplets, sleep is the ultimate form of relaxation.”

SECRET LIFE

Loves escaping to camp in the woods. “As long as there are trees, a hiking trail, and a campfire, I’m happy.”

BizDev Whiz

MARK WINSCHEL

Director of Business Development

S. M. Wilson & Co.,

St. Louis

AGE: 37

BS, University of

Missouri–Rolla

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Joined S. M. Wilson, a general contractor, in 2002 and rose through the Project Engineer, Project Manager, Business Development, and Executive Committee ranks. Appointed Director of Business Development in 2012 and secured more than $50 million in new business for the firm within 18 months, leading a team of five marketing and support professionals. Currently leading a corporate rebranding initiative and new Customer Relationship Management program.

Cinematic Savvy

CORTNEY KIRK, RLA, ASLA, LEED AP

Project Manager

Copley Wolff Design Group, Boston

AGE: 36

BS, Syracuse University

Master of Landscape Architecture, Rhode Island School of Design

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

After completing a degree in TV, radio, and film production, Kirk moved to Boston and began photographing urban spaces, which eventually inspired her to earn a master’s in landscape architecture. Spent four years at Payette Associates, where her projects included planning 30 acres of a 460-acre liberal arts campus for Aga Kahn University in Pakistan, and two facilities for the VA Boston Healthcare System. Joined Copley Wolff in 2012.

Now working on seven projects in four states, including a campus green for UMass Amherst, a Jewish temple in Omaha, and a luxury high-rise in downtown Boston.

Adjunct faculty, Boston Architectural College (2008-present). Received a grant for the purchase of cameras and video editing software for students in a new workshop course combining filmmaking and design.

Volunteer, Parkolation Project involving VSA Massachusetts (the state organization on arts and disability) and Boston Green Academy (a specialty high school). Park(ing) Day event resulted in design for a parklet in collaboration with at-risk teens.

A “super-taster” who can detect flavors that most people don’t pick up on; dabbles in home brewing. Enjoys snowboarding and making pizza.

SECRET LIFE

As an undergrad, wrote an analysis of the movie “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” comparing the characters to Jeffersonian Democrats and Hamiltonian Federalists.

Cx Expert

SHANE H. NAULT, PE, CEM, CxA, LEED AP BD+C

President, Principal Commissioning Agent, Energy Engineer

Building EnergetiCx, Huntersville, N.C.

AGE: 38

BS, Vermont Technical College

MS, Old Dominion University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Before founding Building EnergetiCx in 2011 was Regional Director for another firm. Currently responsible for directing, monitoring, and executing Building EnergetiCx’s commissioning, energy consulting, and green building consulting services.

Fire Protection Pro

TIMOTHY LaROSE, PE, ET

Director, Los Angeles office

Hughes Associates Inc.

AGE: 35

BS, MS, Worcester (Mass.) Polytechnic Institute

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Specialist in fire protection engineering and life safety code consulting. During 13 years at Hughes Associates, advanced to Director of the Los Angeles office at age 33; increased the branch’s revenue by nearly 75% within two years.

Representative projects: University of Rhode Island fire and life safety improvements ($50 million, four campuses, 80 buildings); World Trade Center Vehicle Roadway Network, New York City (fire protection systems); Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corp., New York and New Jersey (PATH subway system fire alarm review); Ronald Reagan State Office Building, Los Angeles (1 million sf, corrosion investigation for sprinkler and water systems).

Active in the AIA, Design-Build Institute of America, USGBC Chicago Chapter, and the Project Management Institute. Member of several AIA Knowledge Communities, including the Committee on the Environment and Young Architects Forum. Board member, Global Design Alliance.

Volunteer: Habitat for Humanity and Civic Consulting Alliance (including pro bono work for the Chicago Transit Authority). Community service in Racine, Wis., while working on a three-year project for SC Johnson.

Regular presenter at university classes and industry organizations.

Peer reviewer, BUILDINGChicago/Greening the Heartland conference.

OFF THE CLOCK

Chandler has visited 47 U.S. states and five continents, and lived in Paris for a year. Prefers mountains and waves, and is particularly fond of Ireland and Germany’s Autobahn: “I’ve had the opportunity to drive Audis, Mercedes-Benzes, and BMWs, but the first car I drove on the Autobahn was a four-cylinder Dodge Grand Caravan.”

Mixed-Use Multitasker

AMY THERESA MOCKAPETRIS

Project Designer, Associate

Development Design Group, Baltimore

AGE: 32

BFA, BArch, MArch, Savannah College of Art and Design

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Finished three degrees in five years in Savannah while also working an average of 30 hours a week and restoring a historic home. Worked at two design firms in Washington, D.C., completing projects for Andrews Air Force Base and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Joined DDG in 2006; now works primarily on mixed-use projects. Since promotion to Associate (2012) has completed several international projects and assumed responsibilities in employee training (company procedures, software programs, architectural codes).

Avid gardener; maintains rare iris plants descended from those brought over from Scotland by her great-grandmother.

Wine collector; currently has 300 catalogued bottles.

SECRET LIFE

Music trivia whiz; can name and sing back most songs after hearing only a few notes or lines. “Thanks to my parents’ love of music, I have memorized almost every popular song between 1960 and 1990.”

Community Dynamo

KEVIN J. SINGH, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Associate Professor, School of Architecture

Louisiana Tech University, Ruston

AGE: 39

BArch, Ball State University

Master of Building

Construction,

Auburn University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Joined Louisiana Tech faculty in 2006. As Director of the school’s Community Design Activism Center, conceived South of California Avenue project, which gives architecture students the opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on community-

oriented projects. Currently establishing a tax-exempt nonprofit to serve the SOCA neighborhood, with the goal of building a community center.

A new study of nine schools in Washington D.C. corroborates recent research finding that modernization creates more satisfactory places for students and faculty. Image: Perkins Eastman, Investing in our Futures: How School Modernization Impacts Indoor Environmental Quality and Occupants.